In the following essay, Tobin traces Anderson's development of his short story “Not Sixteen.”

Myths about Sherwood Anderson's life and art die hard. In recent years, critics have worked hard to dispel the notion that Anderson wrote little of value after the 1920s and that only Winesburg, Ohio and a handful of short stories are worthy of critical recognition.1 Another notion that needs correction concerns Anderson's method of composition. Some critics have argued that Anderson wrote only when “in the mood” and was not interested in revising and reworking half-formed material.2 Malcolm Cowley describes Anderson as “a writer who depended on inspiration. … He couldn't say to himself, ‘I shall produce such and such an effect in a book of such and such a length.’”3 James Schevill argues that “Anderson always had...